Reaction Time (OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE)): Revision Note

Reaction time & the ruler test

• This is the time taken to respond to a stimulus

  • e.g. diving off the block in a swimming race when the whistle blows

• Training with reaction drills with specific auditory cues will help to improve reaction times

• It can be measured using the ruler drop test

Ruler drop test

• The testing protocol is as follows:

  • Equipment:

    • A 30cm ruler and an assistant

  • Procedure:

    1. The assistant holds a 30 cm ruler vertically, such that the participant's thumb is level with the ‘0’ on the ruler

    2. The assistant should release the ruler unexpectedly

    3. The participant  attempts to catch the ruler as quickly as possible between their thumb and finger

    4. The score is the distance in centimetres between the ‘0’ and the point of the catch

  • Drawing conclusions:

    • A shorter distance measured on the ruler indicates faster reflexes and greater hand-eye coordination

    • A longer distance on the ruler indicates slower reaction times and would suggest that the participant would benefit from drills to enhance hand-eye coordination and reflexes